Improved method of curing rheumatism



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LOUIS FOUILLOUX, OF OLERMONT-FERRAND, EMPIRE OF FRANCE.

IMPROVED METHOD OF CURING RHEUMATISM.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 58,034, dated September 11, 1866.

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that I, LOUIS FoUILLoUx, of Olermont-Ferrand, France, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Curing Rheumatism, &c.; and I do hereby declare that the following is afull, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to make and use the same.

This invention consists in the external application of oxygen gas in conjunction with heated atmospheric air to the part or parts of the human body which are afflicted by rheumatism and other similar diseases in such a manner that the vitality of said parts is renewed and increased and the diseases are counteracted and cured.

I11 carryin out my invention I produce the oxygen requisite for the operation in a simple and inexpensive manner, by decomposing at a red heat, in a suitable retort, the binoxide of manganese, or by calcining the chlorate of potash at a low red heat, or by heating baryta to a red heat, which has the property of absorbin g oxygen from the air and giving it out again as the temperature is raised, or by any other method usually employed for obtaining oxygen.

The oxygen thus evolved is received into a gasometer, and conducted from thence, whenever required, to the afflicted part by means.

of a tube or pipe provided with a suitable stop-cock. The end of this pipe may terminate in a spiral or helical coil closed at the end and perforated in the coil with a great number of small holes; or the termination of the pipe may be straight, with fine Wire-gauze over the aperture at the end, in order that the gas may be discharged from the pipe into a suitable receiver or inclosure. 1

The atmospheric air to be used in this process is heated in a suitable furnace, which is furnished with a pipe for conducting the air so heated to the receiver or inclosure before mentioned. This pipe is also provided with a suitable regulating-cock for admission of the heated air.

The patient to be operated on is divested of clothing and placed in an air-tight receptacle or inclosure, with the head only projecting, unless the head itself is to be operated on, when a different arrangement is required. The junction of the inclosure with the neck of the patient is made as tight as possible to prevent the escape of the gas. The perforated end of the tube from the gasometer and the end of the tube from the hot-air furnace are then introduced at the bottom of the inclosure, if they are not already fixtures, and the oxygen and heated air let in by means of the regulating-cocks in suitable proportions, according to the want, sex, or temperament of the patient, the degree of heat to be determined by the attendant; but, as a general rule, the quantity of oxygen should be regulated by the sensation it causes to the patient, who must, under all circumstances, feel easy under the treatment, the temperature to vary from 35 to 45 centigrade, or 95 to 113 Fahrenheit.

If there is some particular spot where an intense pain is experienced then a current of gas and heated air may be directed upon that particular spot.

1f the affection is in the head, a suitable helmet or shield to encompass it will be needed,

provided with tubes and valves for the respi-.

ratory organs, in order to allow the patient to breathepure airfrom the outside of the helmet. This encompassing shield or helmet Will be of considerable size, made of glass or other suitable material, and closely connected to the neck of the patient to render it air-tight. The tubes conveying the gas and heated air will be introduced at the lower side, and the admission regulated as desired to suit the patient.

The effect of this treatment is to produce an abundant perspirationand an increase in the activity of the circulation of the blood, which seldom fails entirely to cure, and always gives great relief to the patient subject to such complaints as rheumatism, intermittent fevers, chronic and nervous complaints, 850.

This medication may also be employed internally by inhalation.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The Within-described process of treating the part or parts of the body affected with oxygen gas and heated air, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

' LOUIS FOUILLOUX. Witnesses:

O. G. B. DRUMMOND, L. A. DESSAULLES. 

